Three Michigan residents are now facing serious legal consequences after allegedly attempting to transport multiple pounds of marijuana to New York City. Their story serves as a cautionary reminder to Michiganders about the risks associated with carrying marijuana across state lines.
Kamel Hariri, 30, of Dearborn; Rocco Antonio Melissari, 41, of Inkster; and Donnie Dewayne Hall, 42, of Fenton were apprehended on Interstate 80 in White Deer Township, Pennsylvania. The incident underscores that while marijuana may be legal in Michigan for certain purposes, traveling with it to other states can result in dire legal ramifications.
On October 4th, at approximately 1:10 p.m., their 2022 Ford SUV was pulled over for what appeared to be a window tint violation. However, it wasn't just the window tint that caught the attention of law enforcement; a strong odor of marijuana allegedly emanated from the vehicle.
Upon searching the SUV with the occupants' consent, officers found several pounds of marijuana, packing materials, and a loaded firearm in the center console. The trio confessed that the marijuana was destined for a New York City hotel room, with payment to be received upon delivery.
Charges against the three men include two felony counts each of manufacturing, delivering, and possessing with intent to deliver. They also face misdemeanor charges related to possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Hall has an added charge regarding window tint, labeled as "improper sunscreening".
All three are currently held at Union County Jail with a bail set at $50,000 cash. Their legal journey continues with bail hearings and preliminary hearings slated for this month.
This incident provides a stark reminder to Michigan residents: while our state has its own marijuana laws, venturing across borders can place you in jurisdictions with very different, and sometimes harsher, regulations. Always be informed and cautious when considering transporting marijuana, or any controlled substance, interstate.
The city of Battle Creek is ready to celebrate a major milestone, and Potter's Cannabis Boutique is leading the charge. Get ready to mark an unforgettable day in the city's history at the Battle Creek Bridge Opening Party, hosted by none other than the much-loved Potter's Cannabis Boutique.
The unveiling of the brand-new Battle Creek Bridge isn't just about a new infrastructure project; it's a symbol of progress, connectivity, and the vibrant spirit of Battle Creek. It stands as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision that has transformed the city.
Potter's Cannabis Boutique is pulling out all the stops to make sure the celebration matches the magnitude of this achievement. From foot-tapping live music to an array of delectable food choices and a variety of cannabis vendors, the party promises something for everyone.
Residents of Battle Creek and beyond (aged 21 and over) are invited to this grand celebration. Let's come together as a community, not just to celebrate the bridge but also the bonds that tie us together. And yes, a little cannabis from Potter's Cannabis Boutique will be the cherry on top!
So, clear your schedules, bring along your friends and family, and let's make the Battle Creek Bridge Opening Party an event to remember!
A groundbreaking initiative named "Rising Hope for Housing" has been launched with the intent of supporting Washtenaw County residents who have been affected by the criminal justice system. The core objective of the program is to provide financial aid alongside a variety of other support services, ensuring residents can steer clear of evictions while bolstering housing stability and promoting self-reliance.
Funded by Ann Arbor's marijuana tax revenue contribution of $400,000, this pilot initiative is set to continue until June 2024. The program is accessible to county households possessing or approved for a housing choice voucher, especially if they lack supportive services and have a household member who has been affected by the justice system.
City Council Member Cynthia Harrison of the D-1st Ward shared the news of the program at the council assembly on Monday, October 2nd, announcing that applications are currently welcome.
A range of services are incorporated into the program, including trauma-sensitive case management, peer support, mentorship, assistance during move-ins, support with security deposits, and assistance with overdue rents and potential utility disconnections. These valuable services are extended by prominent community organizations such as A Brighter Way, Catholic Social Services, Offender Success, Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, and SOS Community Services.
For those seeking more details or looking to benefit from the program, they are advised to reach out to the Washtenaw Housing Alliance.
It's worth noting that the city's decision to allocate marijuana tax revenue towards this initiative was made during the 2023-24 budget discussions in May. The Council highlighted that federal laws penalizing marijuana usage have unequally affected minorities and those of lower economic strata.
The council declared, "It's essential to recognize and rectify historical injustices and systemic obstacles to champion equity and mold a more inclusive society. The majority of those impacted by these laws, especially concerning marijuana offenses, have been individuals from Black and Brown communities, which showcases an underlying systemic bias."
Moreover, individuals affected by the criminal justice system commonly experience trauma, facing hurdles like housing instability, joblessness, limited educational and training opportunities, as well as mental health and addiction problems.
City representatives have expressed optimism that the services integrated within "Rising Hope for Housing" will not only decrease chances of reoffending but will also overcome systemic challenges, uplift mental health, boost the economy, and support the returnees and their families.
Calling all enthusiasts of fine strains and robust brews! The Deep End Cafe & Gallery brings you an evening that marries the rich aromas of coffee with the exhilarating sensations of top-quality marijuana strains. This event, aptly named "Sip & Smoke," is slated to take the Michigan marijuana community by storm.
Details at a Glance:
Get ready to experience coffee tasting like never before – elevated to tantalize your taste buds and senses. Sponsored by Tuguava Coffee, attendees will get to relish the flavors of three to four unique coffee varieties. To complement the coffee tasting, the event also boasts sampling of four premium marijuana strains.
And if that wasn't tempting enough, Bud Scoop Accessories will be up for grabs, showcased by the chic Rich and Rare Clothing Boutique. Your auditory senses aren't left out either – Dj Beretta Shells promises to keep the atmosphere lively and electric, ensuring the vibes are just right throughout the evening.
Thanks to their friends at Ill Onez Entertainment, the evening promises more than just coffee and smoke – it's an experience, a gathering, and a testament to Michigan's thriving marijuana community.
Ticket Information: A $25 ticket not only grants you access to this unique tasting experience but also sends you home with a delightful gift bag. Each bag contains a quality pre-roll and a 12oz bag of specialty coffee, ensuring the "Sip & Smoke" experience lingers on. For those looking to merely soak in the atmosphere, there's also a $5 ticket option available at the door, allowing you to bask in the music and vibes.
For an evening of camaraderie, quality products, and unmatched vibes, Ypsilanti is the place to be on October 14th. The Deep End Cafe & Gallery beckons you to join a celebration that promises to be the talk of Michigan's marijuana circles.
In the rapidly shifting dynamics of the cannabis and hemp sectors, Michigan's Mood Cannabis Co. is distinguishing itself with a nuanced approach to branding and product representation. Rather than relying solely on the conventional indica-sativa classification, the company is emphasizing the emotional and sensory experiences tied to different strains.
The name "Mood" isn't just a catchy moniker. Its inception came from a fortuitous brainstorming meeting with Branding-Pat, the Executive Creative Director at Upwork. This lightbulb moment took place in Austin, Texas, during an informal gathering. The vision presented was clear: developing a cannabis brand that transcends the basic indica and sativa labels, focusing on the emotional resonance of the strains.
This led to a discussion about simplifying the intricate world of cannabis for the average consumer. The title "Mood" was a play on words, signifying the mood-altering effects of cannabis and the company's objective to simplify its representation.
For Mood Cannabis Co., the journey doesn't end at delivering quality products. Their overarching goal is to reshape public perception around cannabis. The founder believes that the path to this lies in demonstrating that cannabis can be consumed responsibly by everyday Americans.
Currently, the company employs a method termed "interpening" to determine the mood likely to be evoked by each product based on lab analyses.
In its ongoing commitment to reshape perceptions, Mood Cannabis Co. is revamping its branding. The goal is to underscore that cannabis is a substance that can be consumed safely and responsibly by a wide range of individuals. By highlighting core values such as intelligence, compassion, family orientation, humor, and kindness, the company seeks to counter prevailing stereotypes and foster a more inclusive and understanding attitude towards cannabis.
The founder has a noted preference for the Micro Dose THC gummies. Comprising 5mg of Delta-9 THC and 50mg of CBD, these gummies are formulated for a mild yet pleasant effect. Drawing a comparison between CBD's soothing qualities and the boost from THC, the founder notes the synergistic effect as both enjoyable and balanced.
Integral to Mood Cannabis Co.'s success is its talented and dedicated team. The founder speaks highly of their collective expertise, commitment, and passion. This extends to creating a nurturing workspace, promoting both personal and professional growth.
With its innovative approach and vision for the future, Mood Cannabis Co. stands as a beacon of potential for the evolving cannabis industry.
Michigan's vibrant arts scene is renowned for its innovative productions, and this fall, the Planet Ant Theatre, Inc. is gifting us a brilliantly dark existential comedy: Grandma's Basement. Staged in the intimate setting of Ant Hall, this play delves deep into universal themes interlaced with a humorous twist on marijuana, making it a must-see for both theatre and cannabis enthusiasts.
Penned and directed by the talented Abigail Jaske, Grandma's Basement is set in the not-so-distant past of 2008. The narrative unfolds in suburbia, focusing on Debbie, a dedicated "Honor's" English student. Following her first encounter with cannabis, Debbie embarks on an unexpected journey, plunging the audience into a hilarious yet contemplative world that blurs the lines between reality, the metaphysical, and the downright surreal.
The intriguing premise promises more than just a few laughs. As described by Jaske, the play aims to challenge its audience, tackling thought-provoking topics like life, death, existence, and, naturally, marijuana's impact on perception.
If you're looking to catch this one-of-a-kind comedy, you're in luck, but you'll need to act quickly! The only showtimes left are:
Grandma's Basement is not just another play; it's an experience. While most of us have, at some point, contemplated our existence, few have done so with such a unique blend of wit and whimsy. This show offers a fresh, irreverent take on age-old questions, with marijuana as its muse.
For the Michigan cannabis community, it represents another example of the cultural integration and normalization of marijuana. As it continues to weave its way into various aspects of our lives, events like these remind us of its multifaceted impact – sometimes profound, sometimes hilarious, but always intriguing.
Tickets are selling out fast, so ensure you grab yours and dive into the comedic abyss of Grandma's Basement. With its engaging storyline and timely themes, this is one production that's bound to leave an impression long after the curtains close.
Helpful Links Categories Recent News